By Phil Stewart and Idrees AliPANAMA CITY, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday said that it could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and would ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran as ceasefire talks have floundered, global oil supply is dropping and regional tensions are rising.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the U.S. military has the capability to maintain a naval presence in the region to enforce its blockade of Iran, which has inflicted severe economic damage on the country.

Iranian commander meanwhile says strait is 'under Iran's control' as military says no ships can pass without permission.

US Defense Secretary confirms indefinite naval blockade on Iran. End of blockade by December 31, 2026 at 84.2% YES.